Miocean Beach Information Monitors

In 2010, Miocean is launching the nation's first Beach Information Monitors in Orange county, featuring real-time beach and surf conditions, water quality data, and consumer tips for reducing urban runoff pollution to local beachgoers.

The monitors are the first of their kind in the nation. They feature state-of-the-art, weatherproof, wireless flat screens, with proprietary software that was developed specifically by Miocean for this project. Content is provided by Miocean, Heal The Bay, Wavewatch, and the Back bay Science Center. Two initial monitors have been undergoing beta testing at the Newport Pier and "Big" Corona del Mar beach since (late) 2009.

Working with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP), Miocean will be installing three additional Beach Information Monitors in Orange County for a demonstration pilot project scheduled to begin July 1, 2010.

The pilot project will take place at Doheny and Huntington State Beaches - historically known as high-traffic beaches that have had water quality issues in the past.

The additional monitors will feature data from a new, rapid water quality testing protocol that has been developed by SCCWRP. This method employs an advanced molecular testing procedure and a sophisticated scaning machine to provide test results within hours, as opposed to the (2) days required for cusomary water quality testing.

Over the longer term, the vision is to have the Beach Information Monitor information accessible to all consumers from websites, PDA programs, such as iPhone apps, etc.